MU Health Care recommends Anthem patients apply for ‘Continuity of Care’ as contract deadline looms

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care wrote in an email to patients who use Anthem Blue Cross Shield to apply for “Continuity of Care” in case the two sides don’t come to an agreement.

The email recommends Anthem customers call the insurance giant at the number on the back of their insurance cards to learn how to apply for Continuity of Care. The email states that it recommends applying for Continuity of Care as a precaution.

MU Health Care has been in negotiations with Anthem for months, with a contract between the two parties expiring on March 31. If the two sides don’t come to an agreement, MU Health Care will be considered out of Anthem’s network coverage on April 1. MU Health Care wrote in its Wednesday email that it is "disappointed in the lack of progress."

About 2 million Missourians are insured through Anthem, according to the company's website. Roughly 100,000 patients are insured through Anthem at MU Health Care, according to previous reporting. Anthem Medicare Advantage is not in-network with MU Health, beginning on April 1. Anthem has previously stated that MU Health Care’s prices have increased.

The email states that Continuity of Care could legally require Anthem to cover pregnancy, cancer treatments, serious acute or chronic conditions (such as heart attacks and strokes) and terminal illness that requires care.